Recently retired Doctor Yellow train to go on display in Nagoya

JR Central have confirmed when, and where, train fans can see the recently retired “Doctor Yellow”.

A public announcement has been made confirming that JR Central’s recently retired T4 Doctor Yellow will soon go on display at Nagoya’s “SCMAGLEV and Railway Park”.

“Doctor Yellow” is a widely recognized nickname for the “Shinkansen Electric and Track Comprehensive Test Vehicle,” which inspects railway infrastructure while the train is in motion.

Only 1 “Doctor Yellow” train, owned by JR West, now operates on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines

Currently, the 923 series, which is based on the 700 series Shinkansen, is being utilized for these inspections.

Among the two 923 series trains, the T4 train, which is owned by JR Central, was retired from service in January 2025.

Another “Doctor Yellow” train, owned by JR West, is still in operation, but this too will cease services in 2027.

At the time of the trains’ retirement, the intention to display one of the leading cars of the T4 train at the “SCMAGLEV and Railway Park”, which is operated by JR Central, was announced.

A date has now been confirmed for the new display of the T4 train, which will see the current “Doctor Yellow” exhibit, a previous T3 model train, relocated.

The “T3” Doctor Yellow exhibit, pictured, will be relocated to make way for the “T4” exhibit

The T3 train is an older Doctor Yellow model, based on the 0 series Shinkansen, and is owned by West Japan Railway Company, commonly known as JR West.

Following the conclusion of the T3’s display at the SCMAGLEV and Railway Park, the T3 train will be relocated for display at “Train Park Hakusan”, located in Hakusan City.

The final day of the T3 train’s exhibition at the “SCMAGLEV and Railway Park” is scheduled for May 26th 2025. The T4 train’s exhibition will then commence on June 14, 2025.

The “SCMAGLEV and Railway Park” will be hosting a series of events to coincide with the transition between the two Doctor Yellow exhibits.

“SC MAGLEV and Railway Park” is located in Nagoya and features a wide range of train exhibits

On June 4th, an event will be held to facilitate the removal of the T3 train. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in the removal process by physically assisting staff members in pushing the T3 train out of the museum.

Additionally, a handover ceremony will take place, featuring the director of the SCMAGLEV and Railway Park transferring the train to JR West. A similar event will be conducted on June 7th to facilitate the arrival of the T4 train.

On June 14th, an unveiling ceremony for the T4 train and an event to open the driver’s cab will be held.

Participation in either event will require applicants to apply through the digital project known as “Oshi Tabi – ‘Tetsu Oshi! – Passing the Baton! With Gratitude'”.

Certain areas of the SCMAGLEV and Railway Park will be temporarily closed to the public during the exhibit replacement period.

From May 28th to June 9th, access to the T3 train set and surrounding trains, as well as certain sections of the “How Trains Work” exhibits, will be restricted.

Even following the arrival of the T4 train set, protective sheets will remain covering the train until the official unveiling ceremony on June 14th, from which time fans of “Doctor Yellow” will be able to experience the new exhibit.

Source: JR Central